Budget 6-8" Buffer

Phantom Steelworks

Phantom Steelworks

Joined
May 28, 2008
Messages
2,093
Hello all.

Just wondering if anyone could recommend a 6-8" buffer for $100. Or, maybe I should ask.....If you only had $100 to spend on a buffer what would be your choice:confused::D

I like the Baldor buffers, but a little out of my league right now. I want to keep the RPM's as close to 1800 as possible. The buffer will only be used for finish work on handles etc. I dont really go for a mirror finish on the blades.

Ok, fire away guys/gals.

I am all eyes:thumbup:

Thanks for your time BF!

Chris
 
I know Grizzly sells an 8" buffer for about $80. I was considering that myself for handle material.

EDIT: didn't notice the 1800 RPM thing...The Grizzly runs at 3450.

Couldn't you just put a buffing wheel on a bench grinder?
 
Hey bud,

Thanks for replying. I did check out the Grizz Buffer. I just saw the 3450-RPM and figured it would be too fast. I guess since I am just doing handles etc...

I also looked at the Neiko 6" buffer. Looks like a decent quality buffer for the money?



Fletch Helical said:
I know Grizzly sells an 8" buffer for about $80. I was considering that myself for handle material.

EDIT: didn't notice the 1800 RPM thing...The Grizzly runs at 3450.

Couldn't you just put a buffing wheel on a bench grinder?
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check out Woodcraft.com . I picked up a 2 speed 8" grinder on sale for $89.00 bucks . I mounted a 10" buffing wheel to it and it works great. On the other side shaft I mounted a drill chuck and use sanding drums , The poor mans small wheel attachment .
 
I just tried searching it, can't seem to find it :confused:. Either way I guess I'm not much help here since I don't even own one. I was considering getting one myself but then thought about putting a buffing wheel on my bench grinder.

Although I'm guessing there has to be a reason not to do it otherwise I'm guessing most people would just put a buffing wheel on one side of their bench grinder.
 
For much less than 100 I would buy a used 1/3 -1/2 motor with either a 1/2 or 5/8 arbor on both ends, buy two tapered arbor adaptors for lack of a better or correct word, and buy yourself a bunch or different wheels made for this tapered spindle. I use them and you don't get into as much trouble with an overpowered buffer and can change wheels for different grit abrasives, hard felt, blending 3M wheels, etc. Works well in my opinion.
 
Oneill,

I saw those, or similar ones anyway. They look to be a great grinder/buffer....Looks like a decent little grinder for the money. Plus its 2 speed:thumbup: Always a plus.

ONeill said:
check out Woodcraft.com . I picked up a 2 speed 8" grinder on sale for $89.00 bucks . I mounted a 10" buffing wheel to it and it works great. On the other side shaft I mounted a drill chuck and use sanding drums , The poor mans small wheel attachment .
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I have heard people saying its best to have them around 1800. But I am still a rookie, so I dont know....lol

GrizzlyBear said:
Is it better to keep the rpms down around 1800 rather than 3450?
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Here ya go:http://www.bestchoicemart.com/6ingrbunetou.html
Fletch Helical said:
I just tried searching it, can't seem to find it :confused:. Either way I guess I'm not much help here since I don't even own one. I was considering getting one myself but then thought about putting a buffing wheel on my bench grinder.

Although I'm guessing there has to be a reason not to do it otherwise I'm guessing most people would just put a buffing wheel on one side of their bench grinder.
Click to expand...

I like the sounds of this! Have always wanted to use a flap wheel for satin finishes.
John L said:
For much less than 100 I would buy a used 1/3 -1/2 motor with either a 1/2 or 5/8 arbor on both ends, buy two tapered arbor adaptors for lack of a better or correct word, and buy yourself a bunch or different wheels made for this tapered spindle. I use them and you don't get into as much trouble with an overpowered buffer and can change wheels for different grit abrasives, hard felt, blending 3M wheels, etc. Works well in my opinion.
Click to expand...


Not a bad looking grinder! I am wanting something a little more spread out. Just looks a little tight. But, since I am only working on handles etc. Maybe I dont need that much room? Grrrrr, My head is spinning from all the choices....that is what Iget for asking....lol
GrizzlyBear said:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Catalog/Pr...23493&ss=e9011475-777a-45ee-a025-7ec33ec71285



$59.99 for a 6", 1/3hp variable speed grinder. 2000-3400RPM. LOL even has a little tray that pulls out that you can put water in to cool down what you're grinding.

Couldn't you put a couple of 8" wheels on this and use it?
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GB,

yeah I know. Thats the one I have been eye-balling for weeks now. I just cant seem to find a budget buffer in the 1800RPM realm. That is why I thought I would leave it up to those who have them to offer up there opinions/tastes:thumbup:

I like how it looks a little more spread out. The other one from Woodworkers looks almost like I could be buffing the blade and the handle at the same time....LOL I would never do this of-course.:eek:
 
2 more options Warrior . You can add extenders to the shafts of the grinder or you can build your own buffer . I used a shaft and pillow block bearings , belt driven with step pulleys from a used 1/2hp motor . You just need to have the shaft threaded . The one I mentioned from woodcraft I use only for the small wheels on one side and a special buff on the other side for burr removal .
 
Hey bud,

Yes.....I plan on building a monster buffer down the road a bit. For now, just a cheap buffer will get the job done! Your buffer build sounds awesome! Do you have any pics of it? I dont have time to build one right now...but would love to start getting some ideas from you!

Thanks for all the advice guys!!!

Chris

ONeill said:
2 more options Warrior . You can add extenders to the shafts of the grinder or you can build your own buffer . I used a shaft and pillow block bearings , belt driven with step pulleys from a used 1/2hp motor . You just need to have the shaft threaded . The one I mentioned from woodcraft I use only for the small wheels on one side and a special buff on the other side for burr removal .
Click to expand...
 
Chris , pics??? you must be in the need for a good laugh which pics of my shop would cause . Maybe
 
LMFAO

No worries, Jack. But, my shop is not the prettiest thing in the world either. Its the works we produce from our man holes is what counts:thumbup::D

ONeill said:
Chris , pics??? you must be in the need for a good laugh which pics of my shop would cause . Maybe
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Harbor Freight has a 1 hp, 8" bench grinder for about $100. It runs at 1750 RPM.
 
You asked Warrior , you got it . I used an adjustable pulley on the motor instead of step pulleys , because I got them FREE .
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Now thats how its done buddy!!! Lookin good man. A buffer for each task and different compounds...now thats thinking!!! I like that set-up. I will have to build one soon. I like that little white guy you have with drum sander on the other shaft....lol I was using them in my drill press, I bet they take off more material faster on the buffer! Cool idea:thumbup:

ONeill said:
You asked Warrior , you got it . I used an adjustable pulley on the motor instead of step pulleys , because I got them FREE .
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Hey, Bill.

I have seen the harbor freight buffers. Again, not bad for the money!! I think my next HF purchase will be there mini-mill. I am very pleased with my HF hor/vert saw:thumbup:

Bill DeShivs said:
Harbor Freight has a 1 hp, 8" bench grinder for about $100. It runs at 1750 RPM.
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